The five suspected terrorists shot dead in Cambrils are linked to the van attack in Barcelona and an explosion at a house in Alcanar, Catalan police believe.

Seven people were injured in Cambrils, including a police officer, early on Friday when a group launched a vehicle attack similar to that which left 13 people dead and over 100 injured in Barcelona on Thursday.

One person was killed in an explosion on Wednesday night at the property in Alcanar, where gas cylinders were found.

Five suspected terrorists have been shot dead by Spanish police in a second attack to hit Catalonia.

Seven people were injured in the coastal town of Cambrils, including a police officer, when a group, said to be wearing "explosive belts", launched a vehicle attack similar to that which left 13 people dead and over 100 injured in Barcelona.

Police urged locals to take cover as they swooped on an area close to Cambrils' beach-front promenade in the early hours of Friday morning.

Bystanders could be seen running for cover and several gunshots were heard in footage posted on social media, with a later clip showing several dead bodies lying on the floor.